Superintendent Jennifer Cheatham Statement on Budget Proposal

“Unfortunately, this budget proposal clearly prioritizes private school vouchers, the authorization of independent charters and politics over real support for public schools and our students.

“Private school vouchers and independent charter schools have no consistent record of improving education for children, but both will take resources away from every district in the state under this proposal. Rather than invest in what we know works, this proposal puts resources in strategies with mixed results at the expense of our public school students.

“This proposal also creates an environment of disruption and instability that undermines our efforts to create lasting improvement that serves all children. Changes to the accountability system, academic standards and assessment might make a political point, but do not improve education for students in Wisconsin.

“We urge legislators to take a serious look at this proposal and focus our resources and efforts on supporting our public school students.”